4/1 Recap: Kassian effective as Spits take opener

In Thursday OHL action, Zack Kassian (+2) did not register a point but maintained a physical presence as Windsor opened their second round series with a 5-1 tuning of Plymouth. Starting on a line with Calgary first-rounder Greg Nemisz and Flyers prospect Eric Wellwood while also seeing time on the Spits top power play unit, the 6'3 Kassian rode the momentum of an excellent first round performance into game one, providing a turnover-producing pop on Austin Levi ('10) to create the game's first goal at 11:07 of the first period.

Kassian's intimidation factor makes all of his teammates more effective, not just the four others he's skating with. He simply doesn't need to wear a letter. After taking an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty that led to the Whalers only goal late in the middle frame, the accountable aggressor returned on the very next shift to take on 6'5, 217-pound Jamie Devane in the first of four bouts on the evening.

Taylor Hall paced the Spits with a pair of goals while fellow 2010 stud Tyler Seguin finished -3 for Plymouth. The puck drops on game two on Saturday.

In Barrie, Nick Crawford played even as the Colts defeated Brampton, 5-3. The 6'1 rearguard, who was on the ice for one goal for and a shorthanded goal against, entered the game with seven points through four playoff contests. With the hard fought victory, Barrie takes a 1-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinal.

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Kris Baker was raised in a hockey rink. When you were watching Star Wars, he was watching Peter Puck. Bakes' favorite food is chicken soup from the vending machine, and he'd register a Zamboni with the DMV if allowed.